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Current Status of Massage Therapy Regulation

On August 19, 2026, the Manitoba government appointed a Transitional Council to establish the new College of Massage Therapists of Manitoba and oversee the transition to massage therapy regulation. This followed the designation of massage therapy as a regulated health profession on June 16, 2026.

What this means for massage therapists in Manitoba right now:

  • massage therapists do not need to take any immediate action
  • practice of massage therapy can continue as usual
  • additional requirements will be introduced over time as the College is established

Transitional Council for Massage Therapists

The Transitional Council (TC) for Massage Therapists was appointed by Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care in through Order in Council 185/2026 (PDF). The TC will develop the profession-specific regulations for massage therapy and establish the College of Massage Therapists of Manitoba.

The TC's responsibilities include:

  • consulting on and developing the regulations needed to establish the College
  • recommending registration and certificate of practice requirements
  • developing bylaws, standards of practice, continuing competency requirements, and a code of ethics
  • processing registration and certificate of practice applications during the transition period
  • reporting to the Minister of Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care as required

Until the College is established, the TC may appoint a registrar and board of assessors to perform administrative tasks relating to massage therapist registration.

Once the College is established under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), the TC will function as the College Council until a new Council is formed per the College bylaws.

Registration of Massage Therapy as a Regulated Health Profession

The Manitoba government registered the Practice of Massage Therapy Regulation (M.R. 48/2026) under The Regulated Health Professions Act to formally designate massage therapy as a regulated health profession in the province.

The Regulation also sets out a high-level scope of practice, including the assessment and treatment of soft tissues and joints to support function, relieve pain, and promote health.

While this represented an important step forward, implementation is still in the early stages. Key details, such as registration requirements, transition processes, and timelines, are still to come.

More Information About Regulation

Please see the general FAQ on massage therapy regulation for the difference between a regulatory body and a professional association and other general information.

Pre-Transitional Council

The NHPC and the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM) have collaborated on regulation since 2015. 

When the Manitoba Minister of Health approved the Health Professions Advisory Council (HPAC) recommendation to regulate massage therapy under the RHPA, the two associations were asked to prepare information that would support drafting College regulations.

They worked together to address the key concerns of regulation, including:

  • educational standards for applicants/members
  • levels of therapist competency
  • entry requirements
  • review of costs, expenses, and fee structure for the College

For more information on the historical work between the NHPC and MTAM, read the Joint Summary on Regulation of Massage Therapy in Manitoba (PDF).